Media Release For immediate release Release Number: BBB-2016 - 02 - 05

Better Business Bureau Serving Saskatchewan Announces Jim Hopson to speak at 2016 Torch Awards

Regina, Saskachewan (February 5, 2016) – In celebration of exemplary leadership in ethical business practices and service excellence by Saskatchewan business and professional organizations, the BBB will host the 12th annual Torch Awards on Thursday, April 21th, 2015 at Queensbury Convention Centre in Regina. BBB Saskatchewan is celebrating 35 years in the Pursuit of Excellence.

The BBB is excited to announce that Jim Hopson, will be the keynote speaker and will be facilitating the Pre-event panel discussion on a current ethical dilemma. Jim’s expertise in presenting on topics such as Leadership, Team Building, Managing Change and Building Excellence are all important in the broader discussion of ethics. There is no doubt that Jim has many stories as a result of his experiences as an educator, Director of Education and both his playing career and CEO for the . Some of them are featured in his new book, Running The Riders: My decade as the CEO of Canada’s Team.

Jim served as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Saskatchewan Roughriders until retiring in 2015. Under his guidance, the Roughriders made 4 appearances and captured both the 2007 and 2013 Grey Cups. Jim’s leadership has helped turn the Saskatchewan Roughriders into one of the CFL’s model franchises and achieve record profits while continuing the teams’ deep rooted commitment to the communities in Saskatchewan. He was the driving force behind the resurgence of the Saskatchewan Roughriders Football Club and was awarded the Hugh Campbell Distinguished Leadership Award for his contributions to the , the game of football and Canada’s sporting culture.

Jim is thrilled to have the opportunity to speak at the Torch Awards celebration. The BBB is accepting nominations of businesses and organizations that exhibit ethical business practices in seven categories. An independent panel of judges will review their applications. The award recipients will be announced April 21, 2016 at the award ceremony. Nominations are still open if you have a favorite business.

This celebratory Torch Awards event represents an opportunity for you as Saskatchewan citizens to hear from someone who understands the links between brand, image and personal accountability in successfully building an ethical business.

Tickets to this exciting and informative evening can be booked now. The BBB recommends that you call to book your seats today. You may contact the Better Business Bureau of Saskatchewan at (306) 352- 7601 or toll free to 1 (800) 352-7601. You can also email us at [email protected] or contact us online at www.sask.bbb.org. Sponsorships are also available. Please contact Karen Smith, CEO for your package. (306.352.9561)

The Better Business Bureau of Saskatchewan Inc. is a non-profit organization funded by accredited businesses throughout the province. “An ethical marketplace where buyers and sellers trust each other.” -30- *Trade-mark of the Council of Better Business Bureaus, used under license

ABOUT BBB:

For more than 100 years, Better Business Bureau has been helping people find businesses, brands and charities they can trust. In 2014, people turned to BBB more than 165 million times for BBB Business Reviews on more than 5.2 million businesses and Charity Reports on 11,000 charities, all available for free at bbb.org. The Council of Better Business Bureaus is the umbrella organization for 113 local, independent BBBs in the United States, Canada and Mexico, as well as home to its national and international programs on dispute resolution, advertising review, and industry self-regulation. Better Business Bureau of Saskatchewan is a non-profit organization funded by over 1,200 Accredited Businesses throughout the province.

CONTACT US:

Phone: (306) 352-7601 or (888) 352-7601 E-mail: [email protected] Online: www.sask.bbb.org Start With Trust